How To Choose The Right Pavers For Your Home Pool
Many Aussie backyards feature a swimming pool and, using the correct pavers to surround it is essential to ensure it is safe and functional. If you’re about to install a pool, or are looking to update your old pavers, you’ve come to the right place because, throughout this post, we will share everything you need to know about choosing the ideal pavers for your swimming pool.
What look for in pool suitable pavers
Non-slip properties
The pavers used around a swimming pool will regularly get wet, and the pavers you choose must have good non-slip properties to prevent injuries to those in the pool area. Pavers that have no grip can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important to factor this in when making your choice.
Resistant to harsh conditions
The area surrounding a pool is harsh, it is constantly exposed to chemicals, salt, or chlorine plus the elements such as the sun’s UV rays, rain, hail etc. Some paver materials are more resistant to these factors than others, so to ensure your pavers maintain their integrity and lifespan, they should be able to withstand pool environments.
Pavers that don’t get hot
In the middle of summer, when the sun is bearing down, it’s not uncommon for pavers to get extremely hot, enough to burn bare soles. This can result in blistering and bleeding feet – something that no one wants when they are going for an innocent swim on a hot day. Some good options are travertine, light-coloured limestone and concrete pavers. The darker your pool pavers are, the hotter they’ll get. Its always recommended to avoid dark pavers around a pool or anywhere that is exposed to a lot of sun.
Texture
As we touched on earlier, swimming pool suitable pavers will be walked on barefoot, and because of this, they should be soft underfoot and not abrasive. This not only makes it more comfortable to walk on, but kids will often grab onto the edge of the pool and pull themselves up, and if it is rough, it can cause scratches. Abrasive pavers can also damage swimming costumes. Sitting on the edge of the pool and shifting can cause tears and prematurely wear the fabric.
Cost
For many, the cost can be a deciding factor. Once you have decided on the look you’re after for your pool area, you can then decide which pavers match your preference and find one that suits your budget. There are many cheaper ways to have a beautiful paved pool area for the fraction of the cost. One of them is integrating grass in between a section of the pavers.
The finished look
When building a new swimming pool or remodelling an existing pool area, you need to decide on the layout of the pavers you choose. This will help you achieve the best looking finish and ensure it is functional. If you are unsure, ask your paver professional for some examples, you are sure to find something you like through previous work they have done.
One, two or more paver choices
While most tend to stick with the one paver type to surround their pool, that doesn’t mean that you have to. Some choose one primary paver to do the bulk of the space with a different kind for the coping (the area directly around the swimming pool’s edge). For those more adventurous, you can lay multi-coloured pavers or even crazy pave. Crazy pave is a classic retro style of laying pavers that has made a major comeback of late. It is essentially breaking pavers into different sized pieces and laying them in a unique pattern. Once this is completed, you grout the gaps for a smooth finish.
Complementary colours
Pavers come in endless styles, materials, and colours, and when choosing the perfect pavers for around your pool, you should consider the tones and textures you already have in your backyard and the colour of your swimming pool. When everything ties in nicely and the colours compliment each other, you can create a cohesive looking space that has the wow factor.
Top 3 most favoured pool paving choices
Travertine
Travertine is a front runner for around home swimming pools, and this is primarily because it is durable and it looks luxurious. From subtle greys and beiges to warm whites and reds, travertine suits most applications and styles of homes. It is soft underfoot, natural and looks stunning when paired with a gleaming pool.
Limestone
Another favoured paving choice for around pools is limestone. It offers superior heat-resistant and rather than absorbing heat, it reflects it, keeping your feet burn-free come summertime. This natural material comes in a large selection of tones, and much like travertine, it is a timeless option that will still look like a million dollars 20 years down the track.
Exposed aggregate
Exposed aggregate pavers are a classic pool paving choice that is hard-wearing and looks great. They offer superior traction that can prevent slips and falls. As they come in an array of colours, sizes, and shapes, they work well with virtually any style of pool or home. Once installed, they need very little maintenance to keep them looking their best.
